How Long Do Vision Problems Persist After a Concussion?

A concussion is the result of mild head trauma that causes the brain to move back and forth within the skull. Along with issues, such as temporary memory loss and head pain, vision problems can also occur. These are normally short-lasting and fully resolved within a couple of weeks. 

The Brain-Vision Link and Why Concussion Can Cause Problems with Eyesight

• An overview of how vision works
• The kind of vision problems concussion can cause
• How long do vision problems persist after a concussion? A timeline…

An overview of how vision works 

A concussion can affect eyesight because of the direct link between your eyes and the brain. While the eyes are the primary organ of eyesight, they are only one of the elements responsible for vision. The images we see are the result of light entering the eye and being transmitted to the brain via the optic nerve. Here, these signals are translated into the images we see.

If you’ve suffered a brain injury—even a mild one—to the region of the brain that’s responsible for vision, the translation of these messages can get jumbled for a while. This can result in eyesight issues.

The kind of vision problems concussion can cause

Vision issues from concussion can be grouped into different categories. Note that some of the problems aren’t directly related to your eyesight. such as headaches and fatigue. However, such symptoms can indirectly result from issues with how the brain interprets light signals.

Problems with focusing

• Blurred or fuzzy vision
• Eye strain/pain
• Headaches
• Reading difficulties
• Inefficient work performance

Problems with eye tracking (how your vision focus moves from point to point)

• Difficulty following a moving object
• Reading problems, such as losing your place or missing out words
• Issues with eye-hand coordination

Problems with eye teaming (how the eyes coordinate and work together)

• Eye pain
• Double vision
• Problems with depth perception, causing issues with climbing/descending steps, driving, and clumsiness
• Disjointed eye movements
• Fatigue
• Headaches

Over or under-active peripheral vision

• Motion sickness/vertigo
• Dizziness, headaches, nausea—especially in places where a lot is going on
• Movement problems
• Bumping into things
• Reduced visual field

While some of the above might sound frightening, it’s very rare for a concussion to cause serious visual problems. You might find they worsen if you have too much screen time, as such focused concentration can exacerbate any underlying issues.

How long do vision problems persist after a concussion? A timeline…

Not everyone experiences vision problems after a concussion. For those that do, they generally subside and are gone by around the 14-day mark. If symptoms persist longer than six weeks, then it’s likely you’ll need some kind of neuro-optometric rehabilitation. This is where, after determining the part of the brain that is causing the problem, an individualized treatment plan is put in place. 

It takes advantage of a wide range of therapies to do so, including lenses and vision exercises. The length of time it takes to improve the eye-brain link (and, thus, your eyesight) will depend on both the region of the brain involved and the extent of the injury.

Worried About Vision Problems After a Concussion? Contact the WBEC Today

As stated, vision issues post-concussion should be reduced and disappear completely by around the second week after the head trauma. If you’re experiencing vision issues after this then you should seek professional guidance. The same applies if your vision issues are getting worse, not better, even if you’re still within that two-week period.

Be aware that if your vision problems become suddenly more acute and/or you experience a sudden onset headache, blackouts, excessive fatigue, nausea/vomiting, or weakness in another part of your body, then you should seek emergency care straight away.

However, following the normal timeline of vision issues after a concussion, the West Boca Eye Center has the expertise you need to assess your visual abilities and determine if you need further monitoring or treatment.

Discover more about our services at https://www.westbocaeyecenter.com/

A concussion is the result of mild head trauma that causes the brain to move back and forth within the skull. Along with issues, such as temporary memory loss and head pain, vision problems can also occur.